The Study
on Substack
WHERE THE CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Essays. Creative writing.
Photography. Civic reflection.
All in one place.
For many years, the Humanities North Dakota magazine shared stories, essays, photography, and ideas from across the Northern Plains and beyond. It created space for reflection, curiosity, and thoughtful conversation about the humanities.
In April 2025, federal funding reductions required us to pause publication. While difficult, this moment created an opportunity to rethink how we gather, share, and respond to ideas in a changing media landscape.
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The Study on Substack is the next chapter of that work.
THE PERSON BEHIND THE WORK
The work of the magazine didn’t disappear. It found a new home and a new editor to carry it forward.
When the magazine paused, we knew the stories, voices, and ideas it had championed deserved to continue. We turned to David Bjerklie — an editor with decades of national experience — to help shape what The Study on Substack would become.
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David brings the same editorial standards and commitment to thoughtful storytelling that made the magazine matter. Under his editorial guidance, The Study on Substack has become a home for writing, photography, and civic reflection that honors that legacy while opening new doors for our community.
Our Editor
David Bjerklie
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Science reporter, writer, and editor at TIME Magazine, TIME for Kids, and TIME Books since 1984
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Contributor to numerous national and international publications
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Knight Science Journalism Fellow, MIT
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Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellow
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National Science Foundation Media Fellow, McMurdo and South Pole Stations, Antarctica
A DIGITAL HOME FOR IDEAS AND CONVERSATION
Where ideas are not just shared, but engaged with.
The Study on Substack brings together essays, creative writing, photography, and civic reflection in a format that allows for ongoing dialogue. Instead of waiting for a printed issue, we now publish regularly and invite readers to engage directly through comments, sharing, and submissions.
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This is not simply a replacement for the magazine. It is a more immediate, participatory space where ideas can evolve in real time.
Already receiving our newsletter?
If you’re on our email list, you’re likely already receiving Substack posts in your inbox—nothing changes for you.
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Our newsletter keeps you informed about what’s happening at The Study with updates about programs, events, and ways to get involved.
Substack is where you can spend time with the ideas themselves—reading, reflecting, responding, and even sharing your own work.
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Subscribing directly on Substack offers more ways to take part in that ongoing conversation.
WHAT WE PUBLISH
Six recurring features exploring literature, place, civic life, and the creative spirit of our communities.
ArtsTable
Arts · ND Council on the Arts
A Program of the North Dakota Council on the Arts — spotlighting artists, creative work, and cultural initiatives across the state.​
Civic Lens
Civic Life · Bi-Monthly
Accessible essays connecting civic history to contemporary life and inviting thoughtful reflection on citizenship.
BookNook
Libraries & Bookstores
Short features highlighting libraries and independent bookstores through recommendations and glimpses into local reading life.
SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME
Writer’s Desk
Creative Writing
Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and reflective work from our community. This section relies heavily on reader submissions.​
SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME
Snapshot
Photography & Art
A visual companion to Sense of Place. Submit photographs or artwork capturing everyday life, environment, and community.
SUBMISSIONS
WELCOME
Sense of Place
Essays & Poetry · Bi-Monthly
Longer essays and poetry exploring landscape, memory, and belonging across the Northern Plains and beyond.
SHARE YOUR WORK
SEND SUBMISSIONS TO OUR EDITOR
The Study on Substack is shaped not only by editors and contributors, but by the community itself.
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Within specific features, we regularly publish work from contributors. Sections like Writer’s Desk, Snapshot, and Sense of Place each have their own focus and editorial approach, and submissions are reviewed with those in mind.
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If you’re interested in contributing, you’re welcome to reach out with a brief introduction and a sample or idea aligned with one of these sections. Please include the name of the feature (for example, Writer’s Desk or Snapshot) in the subject line of your email.
Where ideas are not just shared, but engaged with.
David Bjerklie
david@thestudynd.org